Payer

Aetna and Minneapolis-based Allina Health's insurance joint venture is launching four new plans targeting employers and self-insured customers. 

Philadelphia-based Independence Health Group is leading a $60 million investment in New York City-based Quartet Health to grow its mental health screening offerings to providers.

Humana designated two high-ranking leaders to develop its Florida Medicare Advantage market. 

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said during a Forbes Annual Healthcare Summit discussion he is exploring how the company's payer and provider branches can work together more closely. 

After notifying behavioral health providers that they must return previously received payments, Colorado's state Medicaid administrator reversed course Dec. 1, citing a technological error for the notice.

Members of Congress are being pressured by patient advocates and medical groups to require Medicare to cover obesity drugs and obesity-related behavioral therapy.

As part of a larger plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 this winter, President Joe Biden announced that private insurers must begin to cover over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

A new bill from the House of Representatives seeks to reduce patient costs by closing an ACA loophole regarding nonessential medications and requiring that payers consider copay assistance toward cost-sharing requirements. 

Stride Health announced a partnership with freelance work platform Fiverr to connect workers with health insurance. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is awarding $500 to 94 percent of its employees — those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or received an approved exception.